What I have come to realize is that we usually have very little idea about what is going on in other people’s lives and what they are feeling or experiencing at any given moment. This is true for total strangers and even people we know well. Yet we make assumptions about what they are feeling and why. We make assumptions based on how we view the world which may be very different from how the other person views the world.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that I need to create a judgment-free zone. I know. I know. What makes me think I can pull this off? We don’t live in a non-judgmental, forgiving world.

It’s too easy to sit back and make up stories about people based on little or no information. It’s too easy to make assumptions. It’s too easy NOT to try and understand where people are coming from, what they might be going through, and the fears that they are grappling with.

Call me an optimist. Call me an idealist. Call me an unrealistic nutter. I have to try.

So, here is what I am going to do.

I am going to show compassion.

I am going to…

The experience of change, good or bad, has repercussions. One change can set you on a new course and have so much meaning in your life. It can affect you in a myriad of ways - some of which you may not have thought of when the change occurred.

It’s the domino effect of a given change that can throw you off course. You start a new relationship but how is it affecting your other relationships? Are you ignoring other people or responsibilities? You get promoted at work but what about the person you replaced and whose shoes you have to fill? Will you have to work longer hours? What impact will this have on your co-workers? How will it affect your life outside of work? You were unexpectedly laid off and how will you pay the mortgage on the new house you just bought? How will this affect your partner or your family?

One thing to acknowledge is that you play a role in every change no matter whether you choose to make a change or a change is thrust upon you. Your reaction to change will vary and is dependent on many factors; the key ones being your previous experience with change, your current circumstances, and your willingness to embrace the unknown…

Communication is not limited to words alone – much of what we convey is expressed through non-verbal cues. Learning to decipher these subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle signals will help you better understand what someone is truly attempting to communicate.

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Body Language: Gestures, posture, and facial expressions can reveal emotions and intentions. For example, crossed arms may indicate discomfort whereas open body language suggests receptiveness.

Eye Contact: Eye contact can convey confidence and interest in the conversation. Avoiding eye contact may signal shyness, discomfort, or dishonesty.

Tone of Voice: The tone, pitch, and tempo of someone's voice can convey emotions like excitement or frustration. A monotone voice may indicate boredom or disinterest, while a lively tone suggests enthusiasm and engagement.

Microexpressions: These are brief facial expressions that show on someone's face, revealing their true emotions.

What Are They Not Saying?:

Hidden Emotions: Non-verbal cues often reveal underlying emotions. For example, a forced smile may hide feelings of sadness or discomfort while a furrowed brow may indicate…

The Essence of Community

Shared Understanding: they provide a safe space where you can discuss your experiences, your successes, and your fears. You also feel a sense of belonging and validation.

Collective Wisdom: there’s nothing better than sharing your experience and insights and hearing from others on how they are maneuvering change and transition. I always learn something from my communities and appreciate and value the various perspectives.

Emotional Support: we need empathy, compassion, and encouragement during times of change. Your communities can offer that in spades. The mere fact that you are not alone in whatever you are going through can significantly bolster your resilience.

The Power of Connection

Accountability and Motivation: your communities can hold you accountable for your intentions and commitments which will encourage you to stay motivated…

Stress can manifest in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. It creeps into our lives sometimes unnoticed until its effects become impossible to ignore. It manifests in various ways, impacting our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Mental Manifestations:

Brain Fog: You may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and retaining information. Racing thoughts are common and it can be hard to quiet your mind.

Negative Thoughts: Pessimism and self-doubt can take over. You become irritable and impatient. I’ve experienced some of this and never want anyone to become the target of my cranky self. Getting trapped in a self-doubt spiral is no fun either.

Forgetfulness: You experience memory lapses, especially your short-term memory. You may also have difficulty recalling details or organizing your thoughts. Sometimes, I think the loss of memory is just my body showing signs of age. That may be somewhat true but stress is likely the culprit more times than not. I forget numbers and can’t always find the right words when I am stressed.

Emotional Manifestations:

Heightened Anxiety: Excessive worrying…

One of the important lessons I learned early on is that taking care of myself while caring for my elderly parent is crucial for both our well-being. It took me a while to get up to speed and it made all the difference.

What does self-care look like?

Your physical well-being: We frequently hear about the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. This is especially true when caring for others. I get that the stress of caring for a parent can lead you to grab a bag of chips and distract yourself in front of the TV until the late hours. Eventually, it takes a toll. Your energy level plummets and your patience wears thin. It’s not a pretty picture.

If you do not already have an exercise routine, find one that fits your schedule and that you will enjoy doing…

You need a ton of energy to care for your parent. Cutting back on processed foods…

Sleep can be elusive depending on the level of care you are providing. It’s critical to get at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night. I do not function well when I don’t get enough sleep.

Your emotional well-being: Taking breaks is essential…